You Can Play Ms. Pac-Man On Google Maps

Just remember that you shouldn't play while you are driving.

Google's April Fool's Day prank is upon us. This year, it's Ms. Pac-Man.

You can play Ms. Pac-Man in Google Maps right now. This is not a drill.

Ms. Pac-Man. Right Now.

To do this, open the Google Maps app on your phone or other mobile device. You'll see a Ms. Pac-Man icon on the right side. Or, go to Google Maps on your desktop browser. You'll find a Ms. Pac-Man icon in the lower left corner. Tap/click on her to transform the map on the screen into the game board. Starting the game and directional changes are done by swiping, or using the arrow keys. Once you've found the area you'd like to play, zoom in appropriately to fine-tune your game board. Too many streets or lots of curves might make for a very frustrating game, though that can make it more fun. For example, I played in my neighborhood and got Ms. Pac-Man stuck in a round-about. Game over. Be aware that sometimes when she goes off screen, she doesn't reappear where you'd expect. On some maps, she would just turn around at the edge and run right into a ghost that was in hot pursuit. If you are up for a challenge, go find some cluttered maps and have at it.

Here are a few interesting game boards I tried out.

First, an interstate interchange in my hometown of St. Petersburg, FL.